Meet Ian Isabel Conales Klay | Hotelier | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ian Isabel Conales Klay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ian Isabel Conales, how do you think about risk?
Risk is nothing but growth in perspective. I think, risk is a different way of showing grit in whatever circumstance a person is in. Risk, is an opportunity for anyone willing to put their mindset to it, and making the most of that opportunity at hand. It is an avenue of growth mentally and financially. A lot of times, there may be some negativity that connotates with taking risk as it is a leap of faith for something we are not comfortable or familiar with. But, often, taking chances on the unknown, leads to far greater things in life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In 2015, I came in the United States on a J1-Visa, which to some of you may not know, is an Internship Visa for aliens residing outside of the US. This Visa specifically, caters to any enrolled or graduate student in any field ranging from IT, Hospitality, Education and etc.

I received training in one of the most expensive resorts in the United States, Amangiri, located in Utah. After a year of internship in the US, I had the opportunity to work in its sister resort in the Philippines – Amanpulo for a few months up until another internship visa was granted to me to go back for a second internship hosted by Amangiri.

While I considered myself a hardworker and able to perform duties, I made myself believe that I was better than everyone else. Which was not the case, by any means and in 2018, I was let go for poor attitude, brought up by arrogance.

Being let go of the job that I love, in a company that I love to work for was hurtful. But by God’s grace, I learned that everything has its reason. At the time, I did not know what it was and I sought to find out. I proceeded to work for Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, AZ and from there the IRD Manager took a chance on me by promoting me to my first management role as an IRD Supervisor. As I did not think the job suited my personality of being able to see a larger operation in a boutique resort, I decided to leave and join Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort in Tucson as an Assistant Restaurant Manager. I worked for the resort for a year from 2019 – 2020 up until a new opportunity came to go back to Amangiri.

This time around, it has been 2 years since my termination, and I have learned that throughout my career – it definitely was the best thing that happened to me, as it molded me to be a better person. Fast forward, I rejoined Amangiri as an Assistant Restaurant Manager, and in 2021, got promoted as their Food and Beverage Manager.

Like any other management job, it was demanding and held great deal of pressure. I sorted to find creative ways to de-stress which led me to craft making which included bead jewelry, coloring, painting and candle making.

Amidst 2021, working for a luxury resort does come with some challenges, specially with the pressure to be able to execute well and efficiently in the job. As a de-stresser. whenever I come home, I would lit a store bought candle and relax. One afternoon, my mind went blank and I started staring at the flame this candle brought. Then I thought, how difficult could it be to make my own? So I started my research, brought a few supplies, started testing them one by one and up until Christmas came that a friend of mine placed interest and ordered a dozen to give away as Christmas gifts. It got me thinking that I can make this hobby profitable.

When I tried to launch my Etsy Shop early in March 2022 after registering as a business within the State, there was no doubt in my mind to add encouraging Bible Verses into those handmade products. I want to be able to touch someone through my handmade products and look at it with a self-reminder that everything in life happens with a purpose. I looked back into the most difficult, depressing time of my career and thought that, although it was a hard lesson learned, it was all worth it in the end.

Currently, I am now the Director of Food and Beverage for Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas. I do weekly markets or major events as far as Sedona, Flagstaff, Kanab UT, or St. George UT to advertise my products.

You ask me, how do I do all of this even with a full time job?
I honestly don’t know. But with grit, hardwork, time management, support circle and faith, I am sure – that you can too.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Grab some coffee at LP Espresso Cafe to start the day and pair that with some housemade donuts by Hot N Sweet Coffee Donut Shop.

Hit the road in the morning for a Native tour inside Antelope Slot Canyons, grab lunch and a beer at Grand Canyon Brewery + Distillery. Their fried pickles are must try and any pizza on their menu screams bomb!

Take some time to walk in the park and check out local shops, The Gallery by GCAA is a very unique shop as it features products made locally in Page, Arizona. The Hub is another gift shop that features more products also made within the area.

After the afternoon stroll, definitely do some Sunset Viewing at Horsehoe Bend which is roughly 5miles north of Walmart at Highway 89. If staying for more than a day, definitely check out houseboats and cruise around massive Lake Powell and camp for a night or two!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband – Jared Klay. I have nothing but absolute admiration for this man who have supported me in any endeavors and career aspirations in life. Even if it meant putting his own interest aside so I can allocate resources to what I love doing. He has been my source of strength, and my source of motivation when I often feel beat to pursue my feat of being successful in both business and career. He has learned to love my interests by heart and has been very involved in the business since and treats it just like his own.

My mother – Jovita Conales. I was raised in a poor family, back in the Philippines. As early as 6 years old, I remember my mom would cook banana fritters at a small stall and instruct me to go to small offices, banks, businesses and approach individuals who might want an afternoon snack. Back then, as a kid, I did as what I was told to in obedience of my mother. I would sometimes bring a few of those packed snacks in school, to sell as well to other kids. Looking back at it now, I don’t think I will have the attitude of taking risks, and chances have I not learned that in an early age given the circumstance me and my siblings were in – growing up.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/klaysessentials

Instagram: @klaysessentialcreations

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-isabel-conales-klay-3a0316116/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/klaysessentialcreations